Teenager Stabs American Woman To Death In London

British police arrested a teenager on suspicion of murder Thursday after a stabbing spree in the heart of London that left one woman dead and five others wounded.

Police fired an electric stun gun in arresting the 19-year old man and said that while they were focusing their inquiry on his mental health, counter-terrorism officers were supporting the murder probe.

With European cities already wary of attacks, London Mayor Sadiq Khan appealed for calm and vigilance, while extra police have been deployed in the British capital, including armed officers — an unusual sight in the UK.

After receiving hospital treatment himself, the suspect was being held at a south London police station.

The attack took place late Wednesday in Russell Square, a plush garden square lined with tourist hotels close to several popular attractions, notably the British Museum.

Paramedics fought to save the life of the woman believed to be an American in her 60s but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two women and three men were also injured. Two of the five remain in hospital while three have been discharged.

“Early indications suggest that mental health was a factor in this horrific attack. However, we are keeping an open mind regarding the motive,” said London police’s counter-terror chief Mark Rowley.

Extra armed and unarmed officers were being deployed on the streets in a bid to reassure the public following recent events abroad, police said.

Police were alerted to the incident at around 10:30pm (2130 GMT). Armed officers were on the scene within around five minutes and the man was detained at 10:39pm.